Facts, evidence, proof...they are all overrated, in my opinion. ;) (hell, spirits)

[looking4answers12]

Originally Posted by Djuna

How do you make decisions in life without facts?

I don't mean religious or spiritual decisions either. We use our logic and we rely on evidence to make all kinds of choices. We don't buy a car without researching them thoroughly. I don't understand why you don't apply this process to every facet of your life.

And I don't understand why some people can't just accept that sometimes things just defy logic.

[looking4answers12]

Originally Posted by WhipperSnapper 88

No, not implying that at all. However, if she is unwilling to change those beliefs based on new facts, proofs, or evidence, she will gain nothing and any debate or discussion would be futile.

I have already "gained" a little more knowledge about Buddhism.

I've "learned" that not all atheist think the same way. Although I already know that to some degree, I've learned that some, differ in their beliefs more than I realized.

My belief that regardless of what group a person identifies with, personalities within that group vary widely.

I've learned a few more things about the Bible that I didn't already know (by participating in the Christian forum)

I learned the expression "sky fairy". Which is how some atheists view our belief in God. Now THAT was interesting to find out!

And I KNOW that I will learn more interesting things if I continue to participate. But that you for being concerned that I may be wasting my time.

I've also learned that "listening" to Atheists and those of other religions won't make me lose my faith.

[looking4answers12]

Originally Posted by Joe90

No.

You obviously haven't had your eyes open to the closed mindedness of some atheists here.

[looking4answers12]

Originally Posted by Asheville Native

The facts tell me you are not looking 4 answers, you have made your conclusion and are looking for facts to support them.

Then you've misinterpreted your supposed "facts". No worries, it happens.

[Asheville Native]

Originally Posted by looking4answers12

Then you've misinterpreted your supposed "facts". No worries, it happens.

So which ones are refuting, the earth is a sphere, it orbits the sun, or it's only 7,000 to 13,000 years old.

Please tell me which facts, and why they are wrong.

[looking4answers12]

Originally Posted by WhipperSnapper 88

Oh absolutely! What, were you expecting an argument from me on this one? No, there are closed minded individuals on both sides. Keep in mind though, that most of the Atheists on these boards were religious at one time, and it was only through an open minded and honest examination of the facts that they are now Atheist.

Actually, I had no expectations of what you would agree or disagree with.
Wouldn't you say that sometimes if we go into something with expectations, we might be blind to the facts that are presented to us?

I think I understood you just fine. You are set in your beliefs and you aren't going to change them no matter what facts, evidence, or proofs may be presented to you, and that truth concerning religion has little importance.

Pretty much.

But they aren't. If you are seeking truth about religion, God, and the likes, facts mean everything.

We will have to agree to disagree on that one.

Facts and evidence are only useless or unimportant in any particular matter only if you are not interested in knowing the truth about it.

This is where our thinking is clearly different. I don't believe that facts and evidence always reveal the truth. In addition, sometimes facts and evidence are not always available to study. Just because the facts are not there for us to see, does not mean that there can't be a truth that we cannot prove.

Aside from religion, I am sure this can happen in criminal cases. Sometimes the "evidence" is not properly collected and the truth cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Lack of proof and evidence, does not undo whatever act was done, which could not be proven.

For some reason the name "OJ" comes to mind.

If you are completely comfortable believing that your current way of thinking is true, or that what you have been told is true is true, then yes, facts would be relatively unimportant. .

Yep.

[looking4answers12]

Originally Posted by Asheville Native

So which ones are refuting, the earth is a sphere, it orbits the sun, or it's only 7,000 to 13,000 years old.

Please tell me which facts, and why they are wrong.

Whatever "facts" you collected, which helped you come to the conclusion below.

The facts tell me you are not looking 4 answers, you have made your conclusion and are looking for facts to support them.

[Asheville Native]

Originally Posted by looking4answers12

Whatever "facts" you collected, which helped you come to the conclusion below.

Oh, the fact that theists are taught that questioning god or the bible is tantamount to sin, and atheists are on a quest for truth based on evidence.

[looking4answers12]

Originally Posted by Asheville Native

Oh, the fact that theists are taught that questioning god or the bible is tantamount to sin, and atheists are on a quest for truth based on evidence.

That has nothing to do with me and what I may or may not be looking for.

I do question the Bible. But my faith in God still remains.

[WhipperSnapper 88]

Originally Posted by looking4answers12

Put simply, I disagree.

Well there's a shocker......

Originally Posted by looking4answers12

Actually, I had no expectations of what you would agree or disagree with.
Wouldn't you say that sometimes if we go into something with expectations, we might be blind to the facts that are presented to us?

Well look at that, you did learn something

. In addition, sometimes facts and evidence are not always available to study. Just because the facts are not there for us to see, does not mean that there can't be a truth that we cannot prove.

100% right on this one. Its when the KNOWN facts point to something being so completely false, like the Bible, that I have an issue. There is no question, based on everything that we know, that a virgin birth is impossible. A talking snake is impossible.....etc....etc...
.[/quote]

[quote]

Originally Posted by looking4answers12

My belief that regardless of what group a person identifies with, personalities within that group vary widely.

Thats important to remember.

I learned the expression "sky fairy". Which is how some atheists view our belief in God. Now THAT was interesting to find out!

Well look up the Flying Spaghetti monster, or the Invisible Pink Unicorn

And I KNOW that I will learn more interesting things if I continue to participate. But that you for being concerned that I may be wasting my time.

Hey I not trying to discourage you from posting here, thats not my place. I guess I'm just trying to help you understand that you cant expect to learn something if you feel you know the answer already.

I've also learned that "listening" to Atheists and those of other religions won't make me lose my faith.

You may not actualy be listening then.